China releases ten Indian soldiers held in custody

China has released 10 Indian army soldiers, including at least two senior officers, it seized in a high-altitude border clash in the Himalayas which left at least 20 Indian soldiers dead.

Scores of troops from the two sides fought with nail-studded batons and hurled rocks at each other in the disputed Galwan valley.

Reports say on Friday that the release took place after a highlevel talks were held between the Indian and Chinese militaries to defuse the border standoff.

It also said India and China have not exchanged gunfire at the border since 1967, despite occasional flare-ups.

Soldiers are under instructions to keep their rifles slung at their backs.